Flexible conduit systems for routing cables

ABSTRACT

A conduit for routing connectivity cables. The conduit including a bottom including consecutively connected bottom members extending a longitudinal length of the conduit. A first side and a second side are connected to the bottom. The first side including consecutively connected first side members extending the longitudinal length and the second side including consecutively connected second side members extending the longitudinal length. The bottom, the first side, and the second side extend along a center axis of the conduit, the center axis extending the longitudinal length of the conduit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/173,731, filed Oct. 29, 2018, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/962,350, filed Apr.25, 2018, titled “Flexible Conduit Systems For Routing Cables,” whichare incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Optical fibers can be used to transmit large volumes of data and voicesignals over relatively long distances, with little or no signaldegradation. For this reason, optical fibers have become widely used inthe telecommunication field. As the use of optical fibers has increased,new systems have been developed for managing and organizing largernumbers of optical fibers.

In a typical telecommunications facility, a trough system is used toroute the fiber optic cables. Generally, the trough system is locatedoverhead and over the location of the fiber optic racks, cabinets, andother equipment. The trough system in even a small telecommunicationsfacility can be substantial, requiring significant time and expense toinstall.

Some trough systems use tubing (e.g., split tube, split wire loomtubing, split corrugated loom tubing, etc.), adding to the assembly timeand expense. For example, some trough systems may use split tubing tomanage and organize optical fibers exiting out of the trough systemlocated overhead to another location, to another piece of equipment, toanother trough system, etc. in the telecommunication facility. The splittubing is often extruded and relatively stiff. Users (e.g., technicians,installers, mechanics, etc.) may be required to run their hands alongthe inside of the split of the tube which can be difficult andunpleasant to manage and organize optical fibers in the split tube. Forexample, the inside of a split tube often has rough sharp edges,restricting the hands of the users as they manage and organize opticalfibers in the split tube.

Thus, there remains a need to develop new conduit formed of materialswhich are much more easy and pleasant to use than existing tubes, and/orare more cost effective than existing tubing.

BRIEF SUMMARY

This Brief Summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts relatingto a conduit for routing cables which are further described below in theDetailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify essentialfeatures of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use indetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

This disclosure relates to conduit for routing cables that arerelatively more easy and pleasant to use than existing tubes (e.g.,split tube, split wire loom tubing, split corrugated loom tubing, etc.).Generally, the conduit includes a bottom surface including consecutivelyconnected bottom springs extending a longitudinal length, a first sidesurface including consecutively connected first side springs extendingthe longitudinal length, and a second side surface includingconsecutively connected second side springs extending the longitudinallength. The bottom surface, the first side surface, and the second sidesurface may be flexible about a point along a center axis of theconduit. A gate may be pivotably attached to the first side surfaceand/or the second side surface and may pivot between an open positionand a closed position while the bottom surface, the first side surface,and the second side surface are in a flexed position, as well as whenthe bottom surface, the first side surface, and the second side surfaceare in an unflexed state (i.e., relaxed, natural resting state). Anadvantage of such a conduit is that the conduit provides improvedinstallation attributes, such as eliminating a split having rough sharpedges. For example, because the conduit is flexible about a point alongthe center axis of the conduit and includes a gate that can be pivotedbetween an open position and a closed position while the conduit isflexed, this allows a user (e.g., technicians, installers, mechanics,etc.) to manage and organize optical fibers in the conduit with greaterease and lower risk of harm to the user's hands. Accordingly, a user mayflex the conduit along a path, pivot the gate between an open positionand a closed position while the conduit is flexed along the path, andmanage and organize optical fibers in the conduit, via the open gate,without causing harm to the user's hands while passing along the insideof the conduit.

In an embodiment, a conduit includes a first member and a second member.The first member may include a first bottom spring having a first endopposite a second end, a first side spring extending from the first endof the first bottom spring, and a second side spring extending from thesecond end of the first bottom spring. The second member may include asecond bottom spring having a first end opposite a second end, a thirdside spring extending from the first end of the second bottom spring,and a fourth side spring extending from the second end of the secondbottom spring. A bottom link may be attached between the first bottomspring and the second bottom spring. A first side link may be attachedbetween the first side spring and the third side spring. A second sidelink may be attached between the second side spring and the fourth sidespring. The springs of the first and second members allow the first andsecond members to be flexible with respect to each other about a centeraxis of the conduit, which axis extends through the longitudinal lengthof the conduit. At least one gate may have a first end pivotablyattached to a top portion of the first side spring and pivotablyattached to a top portion of the third side spring. A second end of theat least one gate may be pivotable about the top portions of the firstside spring and the third side spring regardless of whether the firstmember and the second member are flexed or unflexed about a point alongthe center axis of the conduit.

In an embodiment, a conduit includes a bottom surface, a first sidesurface, and a second side surface extending a longitudinal length. Thebottom surface may include a first bottom spring, a second bottomspring, and a bottom link attached between the first bottom spring andthe second bottom spring. The first side surface may include a firstside spring, a second side spring, and a side link attached between thefirst side spring and the second side spring. The second side surfacemay include a third side spring, a fourth side spring, and a side linkattached between the third side spring and the fourth side spring. Thesprings of the bottom surface, first side surface, and the second sidesurface may provide for the bottom surface, the first side surface, andthe second side surface to be flexible about a center axis of theconduit. At least one gate may pivotably attach to a top portion of thefirst side surface or pivotably attached to a top portion of the secondside surface. The at least one gate may be pivotable between an openposition and a closed position regardless of whether the bottom surface,the first side surface, and the second side surface are flexed orunflexed about a point along the center axis of the conduit.

In an embodiment, a conduit includes a body and a gate. The bodyextending a longitudinal length and having an opening extending at leasta portion of the longitudinal length. The body may be flexible about acenter axis of the body extending the longitudinal length. The gate mayinclude a first end opposite a second end. The first end of the gate maybe pivotably attached to a portion of the body, and the second end ofthe gate may be pivotable about the portion of the body regardless ofwhether the body is flexed or unflexed about a point along the centeraxis of the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Theuse of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similaror identical items.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example conduit for routing connectivity cables ina telecommunication facility.

FIG. 2 illustrates the conduit illustrated in FIG. 1 as it may be usedin an office.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a conduitaccording to the instant disclosure and FIG. 3B illustrates an end viewof the conduit illustrated in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a member of the conduitillustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the conduit illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 illustrates a right side view of the conduit illustrated in FIG.3.

FIG. 7 illustrates a left side view of the conduit illustrated in FIG.3.

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of the conduit illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 having gates in an open position and FIG. 8B illustratesan end view of the conduit illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 having gates inan open position.

FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of the conduit flexed about apoint along the center axis with the gates in the open position and FIG.9B illustrates a perspective view of the conduit flexed about a pointalong the center axis with the gates in the open position.

FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective view of the conduit illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 with the gates in a closed position and FIG. 10Billustrates an end view of the conduit illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 withthe gates in a closed position.

FIG. 11A illustrates a perspective view of the conduit flexed about apoint along the center axis with the gates in the closed position andFIG. 11B illustrates a perspective view of the conduit flexed about apoint along the center axis with the gates in the closed position.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of aconduit according to the instant disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of aconduit for routing connectivity cables.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of the conduit illustrated inFIG. 13 with gates in a closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

As noted above, split tubing may be used to manage and organize opticalfibers, which tubing is often extruded and relatively stiff, and users(e.g., technicians, installers, mechanics, etc.) may be required to runtheir hands along the inside of the split of the tube making itdifficult and unpleasant to manage and organize optical fibers in thesplit tube. This disclosure is directed to conduits for routing cables(e.g., optical fibers, cords, power cords, wires, wiring harnesses,etc.) that are relatively more easy and pleasant to use than existingsplit tubes, split wire loom tubing, split corrugated loom tubing, etc.The conduits may include consecutive bottom springs extending alongitudinal length, consecutive first side springs extending thelongitudinal length, and consecutive second side springs extending thelongitudinal length. The bottom springs, first side springs, and secondside springs are flexible about a point along a center axis of theconduit. The conduits may also include a gate pivotably attached to aportion of the first side springs or to a portion of the second sidesprings. The gate is pivotable about the portion of the first sidesprings or pivotable about the portion of the second side springs whilethe bottom springs, first side springs, and second side springs areflexed or unflexed about a point along the center axis of the conduit.In an example situation of use, a user may open the gate while thebottom springs, first side springs, and second side springs are flexedabout a point along the center axis of the conduit. The user may thenmanage and organize optical fibers in the conduit. Subsequent tomanaging and organizing the optical fibers in the conduit, the user mayclose the gate while the bottom springs, first side springs, and secondside springs are flexed about a point along the center axis of theconduit to contain the optical fibers in the conduit.

While this application describes implementations that are described inthe context of an overhead conduit for managing optical fibers in atelecommunications facility, the implementations described herein may beused in other environments and are applicable to other contexts. Forexample, the conduits may be located at any desired location, includingoverhead, below the floor, at a work station, at a desk, in a home, inan office, in a home theater, with a personal computer, with a personalwork station, with an audio system, in a vehicle, in a boat, etc. Inaddition, the conduits may be used to manage fibers other than opticalfibers, such as wires, Ethernet cables, coaxial cables, power cords,wiring harnesses, etc.

The conduits may include a first member including a first bottom spring,a first side spring, and a second side spring. The first bottom springmay have a first end opposite a second end. The first side spring mayextend from the first end of the first bottom spring, and the secondside may extend from the second end of the first bottom spring. A secondmember may include a second bottom spring having a first end opposite asecond end. A third side spring may extend from the first end of thesecond bottom spring, and a fourth side spring may extend from thesecond end of the second bottom spring. A bottom link may be attachedbetween the first bottom spring and the second bottom spring. A firstside link may be attached between the first side spring and the thirdside spring, and a second side link may be attached between the secondside spring and the fourth side spring. The first member and the secondmember may be flexible with respect to each other about a point on acenter axis of the conduit extending a longitudinal length. At least onegate may be pivotably attached to the first side spring, and the atleast one gate may be pivotable while the first member and the secondmember are flexed about the point on the center axis of the conduit.

In an additional, and/or alternative description, the conduits may bedescribed as including a bottom surface extending a longitudinal length.The bottom surface may include a first bottom spring, a second bottomspring, and a bottom link attached between the first bottom spring andthe second bottom spring. A first side surface, extending thelongitudinal length, may include a first side spring, a second sidespring, and a side link attached between the first side spring and thesecond side spring. A second side surface, extending the longitudinallength opposite the first side surface, may include a third side spring,a fourth side spring, and a side link attached between the third sidespring and the fourth side spring. The bottom surface, the first sidesurface, and the second side surface may be flexible about a point alonga center axis of the conduit extending the longitudinal length. At leastone gate may pivotably attach to the first side surface or to the secondside surface, and the at least one gate may be pivotable between an openposition and a closed position while the bottom surface, the first sidesurface, and the second side surface are flexed about a point along thecenter axis of the conduit.

In yet another additional, and/or alternative description, the conduitsmay include a body extending a longitudinal length and having an openingextending at least a portion of the longitudinal length. The body may beflexible about a point along a center axis of the body extending thelongitudinal length. The first and second attachment features of thefirst member may extend at least a portion of the longitudinal length ofthe first member. A gate may be pivotably attached to a portion of thebody, and may be pivotable about the portion of the body while the bodyis flexed about a point along the center axis of the body.

Illustrative Conduits

FIG. 1 illustrates an example conduit 100 for routing connectivitycables in a telecommunication facility 102. A user (e.g., a technician)may install the conduit 100 in the telecommunication facility 102 formanaging and organizing connectivity cables (e.g., optical fibers) inthe telecommunication facility 102. For example, a user may attach theconduit 100 to an overhead trough system 104 for managing and organizingat least a portion of connectivity cables exiting from the trough system104 to another to a piece of equipment 106, to another location, toanother trough system, etc. in the telecommunication facility 102. Theconduit 100 may be flexible about a center axis of the conduit 100 toprovide for routing the conduit 100. For example, the conduit 100 may beflexible about a point along the center axis to provide for bending ordeforming the conduit 100 from the trough system 104 and the other pieceof equipment 106.

The conduit 100 may have a maximum flexibility to provide for a minimumbend radius to protect the connectivity cables. For example, the conduit100 may be flexible about a point along the center axis up to a minimumbend radius of about 1 inch suitable for protecting the fiber opticcables that may be placed and/or routed in the conduit 100.

While FIG. 1 illustrates the conduit 100 installed in thetelecommunication facility 102, the conduit 100 may be installed in acomputing facility, a central office, a data center, a server room, aremote cell site, etc. Further, while FIG. 1 illustrates the conduit 100being flexed from the trough system 104 to the piece of equipment 106,the conduit 100 may be flexed between different pieces of equipment,instead of from a trough to equipment, such as a server. That is, theconduit 100 may be arranged between any piece of equipment, components,systems, etc. to provide a conduit that corresponds with theconfiguration in a telecommunication facility in which the conduit is tobe installed.

FIG. 2 illustrates the example conduit 100 may be used in an office 200for managing and organizing wires, Ethernet cables, coaxial cables,power cords, wiring harnesses, etc. in the office 200. For example, auser may attach the conduit 100 to a portion of a desk 202 for managingand organizing at least a portion of the cables associated withequipment arranged with the desk 202. The conduit 100 may be flexibleabout a point along the center axis of the conduit 100 to provide forbending or deforming the conduit 100 around portions of the desk 202,and/or between the desk 202 and another location in the office 200. Theconduit 100 may be flexible about a point along the center axis of theconduit 100 to provide for bending or deforming the conduit 100 when thedesk 202 is raised or lowered. For example, the desk 202 may be a heightadjustable desk, and the conduit 100 may bend or deform about a point onthe center axis when a user reduces or increases the height of theadjustable desk. While FIG. 1 illustrates the conduit 100 installed inthe office 200, the conduit 100 may be installed in a home, a shop(e.g., a computer numerical control (CNC) machine shop), a vehicle, atoy, etc.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view 300 of the example conduit 100illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The conduit 100 illustrated in FIGS. 3A-7may be the same base conduit as in FIGS. 1 and 2, however, for clarity,the gates (to be discussed with respect to FIGS. 8A-11B) are not shownand are discussed in detail below. The conduit 100 may include aplurality of consecutively connected members 302(1), 302(2), 302(3), and302(n) that extend successively along a longitudinal length 304. Acenter axis 306 of the conduit 100 extends in the direction of thelongitudinal length 304. A bottom surface 308, a first side surface 310,and a second side surface 312 all extends in the direction of thelongitudinal length 304. The bottom surface 308, the first side surface310, and the second side surface 312 may be flexible about a point P onthe center axis 306 of the conduit 100. For the purposes of thisapplication, the point P is not considered to be at a fixed position onthe center axis 306, rather the point P is merely confined to beingalong the center axis 306 at any point about which the conduit 100becomes flexed. Further, inasmuch as the conduit 100 is structured to beflexible in multiple locations along the length thereof, there may bemultiple points “P” about which the conduit 100 may be flexed in thesame or different directions, depending on the use and placement of theconduit 100. Accordingly, the bottom surface 308, the first side surface310, and the second side surface 312 may be flexible about point P (ormultiple points) on the center axis 306 of the conduit 100 to preventbending of a fiber optic cable contained in the conduit 100. Moreover,the bottom surface 308, the first side surface 310, and the second sidesurface 312 may be flexible about a point along the center axis 306 ofthe conduit 100 up to a minimum bend radius to prevent bending of afiber optic cable contained in the conduit 100. In an embodiment, theminimum bend radius may be about 1 inch to prevent bending of a fiberoptic cable contained in the conduit 100.

The bottom surface 308 may be formed of a plurality of springs linkedtogether, the first side surface 310 may be formed of a plurality ofsprings linked together, and the second side surface 312 may be formedof a plurality of springs linked together (discussed in more detailbelow). The bottom surface springs, the first side surface springs, andthe second side surface springs may stretch and/or compress and providefor the bottom surface 308, the first side surface 310, and the secondside surface 312 to flex about a point along the center axis 306 of theconduit 100.

FIG. 3B illustrates an end view 314 of the conduit 100. The end view 314illustrates that, together, the first side surface 310 and the secondside surface 312 attached to the bottom surface 308 have a substantiallyU-shaped cross-section extending at least a portion of the longitudinallength 304.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view 400 of the first member 302(1) ofthe plurality of members 302(1)-302(n) illustrated in FIG. 3.Perspective view 400 illustrates the first member 302(1) may include abottom spring 402 having a first end 404(1) opposite a second end404(2), a first side spring 406(1) extending from the first end 404(1),and a second side spring 406(2) extending from the second end 404(2).Each member of the plurality of members 302(1)-302(n) may be the same asthe first member 302(1). For example, each member of the plurality ofmembers 302(1)-302(n) may include a bottom spring having a first endopposite a second end, a first side spring extending from the first end,and a second side spring extending from the second end.

FIG. 4 illustrates the bottom spring 402, the first side spring 406(1),and the second side spring 406(2) may each have a polygonalcross-sectional profile. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates the bottomspring 402, the first side spring 406(1), and the second side spring406(2) may each have a hexagonal cross-sectional profile. While FIG. 4illustrates the bottom spring 402, the first side spring 406(1), and thesecond side spring 406(2) may each have a polygonal cross-sectionalprofile, one or more of the bottom spring 402, the first side spring406(1), and the second side spring 406(2) may not have a polygonalcross-sectional profile. For example, any one of the bottom spring 402,the first side spring 406(1), and/or the second side spring 406(2) mayhave a curvilinear cross-section profile. Any one of the bottom spring402, the first side spring 406(1), or the second side spring 406(2) maybe formed of a flexible plastic, such as a polymer (e.g., nylon),polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view 500 of the conduit 100 illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2. The conduit 100 may include a plurality of bottom links502(1), 502(2), and 502(n). In an embodiment, the bottom link 502(1) mayattach between the bottom spring 402 of the first member 302(1) and thebottom spring 402 of the second member 302(2). Likewise, as depicted,the bottom link 502(2) is attached between the bottom spring 402 of thesecond member 302(2) and the bottom spring 402 of the third member302(3), and the bottom link 502(n) is attached between the bottom spring402 of the third member 302(3) and the bottom spring 402 of the n^(th)member 302(n). For the purposes of this description, despite the gapingholes through the polygonal structural shape of the “springs” (e.g.,bottom spring 402, etc.) that connect to make up a linked framework, theplane of extension along the aligned edges of consecutively linkedbottom springs 402 may be referred to herein as defining the bottomsurface 308. As with the springs above, the bottom links 502(1)-501(n)may be formed of a flexible plastic, such as a polymer (e.g., nylon),polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.

FIG. 6 illustrates a right side view 600 of the conduit 100 illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2. The conduit 100 may include a plurality of side links602(1), 602(2), and 602(n). In an embodiment, the side link 602(1) mayattach between the first side spring 406(1) of the first member 302(1)and the first side spring 406(1) of the second member 302(2). Likewise,as depicted the side link 602(2) is attached between the first sidespring 406(1) of the second member 302(2) and the first side spring406(1) of the third member 302(3), and the side link 602(n) is attachedbetween the first side spring 406(1) of the third member 302(3) and thefirst side spring 406(1) of the n^(th) member 302(n). For the purposesof this description, despite the gaping holes through the polygonalstructural shape of the “springs” (e.g., first side spring 406(1), etc.)that connect to make up a linked framework, the plane of extension alongthe aligned edges of consecutively linked first side springs 406(1) maybe referred to herein as defining the first side surface 310. As withthe springs above, the side links 602(1)-602(n) may be formed of aflexible plastic, such as a polymer (e.g., nylon) polyethylene,polypropylene, etc.

FIG. 7 illustrates a left side view 700 of the conduit 100 illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2. The conduit 100 may include a plurality of side links702(1), 702(2), and 702(n). In an embodiment, the side link 702(1) mayattach between the second side spring 406(2) of the first member 302(1)and the second side spring 406(2) of the second member 302(2). Likewise,as depicted the side link 702(2) is attached between the second sidespring 406(2) of the second member 302(2) and the second side spring406(2) of the third member 302(3), and the side link 702(n) is attachedbetween the second side spring 406(2) of the third member 302(3) and thesecond side spring 406(2) of the n^(th) member 302(n). For the purposesof this description, despite the gaping holes through the polygonalstructural shape of the “springs” (e.g., second side spring 406(2),etc.) that connect to make up a linked framework, the plane of extensionalong the aligned edges of consecutively linked second side springs406(2) may be referred to herein as defining the second side surface312. As with the springs above, the side links 702(1)-702(n) may beformed of a flexible plastic such as a polymer (e.g., nylon)polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view 800 of the conduit 100illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 having gates 804 in an open position andFIG. 8B illustrates an end view 802 of the conduit 100 illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 having gates 804 in an open position. The gates 804 may bepivotable between the open position and a closed position while thebottom surface 308, the first side surface 310, and the second sidesurface 312 are flexed about a point along the center axis 306 of theconduit 100 (described in more detail below).

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the first gate 804 pivotably attached to atop portion 806 of the first side surface 310, and the second gate 804pivotably attached to a top portion 808 of the second side surface 312.For example, the gates 804 may each have a first end 810(1) opposite asecond end 810(2). The first ends 810(1) of the gates 804 may bepivotably attached to either one of the top portions 806 or 808 of theconduit 100, and the second ends 810(2) of the gates 804 may pivot aboutthe top portions 806 or 808 of the conduit 100.

For example, the first end 810(1) of the gate 804 may be pivotablyattached to the top portions 806 of the first side springs 406(1) andthe first end 810(1) of the other gate 804 may be pivotably attached tothe top portions 808 of the second side springs 406(2). The first end810(1) of the gate 804 may be pivotably attached to the top portion 806of the first side spring 406(1) of the first member 302(1) and pivotablyattached to a top portion 806 of the first side spring 406(1) of thesecond member 302(2). The second end 810(2) of the gate 804 may pivotabout the top portions 806 of the first side springs 406(1) of the firstand second members 302(1) and 302(2). In another example, the first end810(1) of the other gate 804 may be pivotably attached to the topportion 808 of the second side spring 406(2) of the first member 302(1)and pivotably attached to a top portion 808 of the second side spring406(2) of the second member 302(2). The second end 810(2) of the othergate 804 may pivot about the top portions 808 of the second side springs406(2) of the first and second members 302(1) and 302(2).

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate when the gates 804 are in the open position,the second ends 810(2) of the gates 804 are located outside of theconduit 100. For example, when the gates 804 are in the open positionthe second ends 810(2) of the gates 804 are positioned a distance outaway from the first and second side surfaces 310 and 312. When the gates804 are in the open position, a user may manage and organize opticalfibers in the conduit 100. For example, when the gates 804 are in theopen position, a user may arrange optical fibers along the bottomsurface 308, the first side surface 310, and/or the second side surface312 of the conduit 100. Subsequent to managing and organizing opticalfibers inside the conduit 100, the gates 804 may be pivotably displacedto a closed position to contain the optical fibers inside the conduit100.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate illustrates two gates 804 pivotably attachedto the conduit 100, any number of gates may be pivotably attached to theconduit 100. For example, one gate may be pivotably attached to thefirst side surface 310, or one gate may be pivotably attached to thesecond side surface 312. In another example, a plurality of gates may bepivotably attached to the first side surface 310, or a plurality ofgates may be pivotably attached to the second side surface 312. Inanother example, a plurality of gates may be pivotably attached to thefirst side surface 310, and a plurality of gates may be pivotablyattached to the second side surface 312. In another example, a pluralityof gates may be pivotably attached to the first side surface 310, andone gate may be pivotably attached to the second side surface, or viceversa. The gates 804 may be formed of a flexible plastic, such as anylon (e.g., nylon) polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.

FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view 900 of the conduit 100 flexed 904about a point along the center axis 306 with the gates 804 in the openposition and FIG. 9B illustrates a perspective view 902 of the conduit100 flexed 904 about a point along the center axis 306 with the gates804 in the open position. Perspective view 900 illustrates the conduit100 flexed 904 about a point along the center axis 306 away from thegates 804 in the open position. Perspective view 900 illustrates thebottom surface 308, the first side surface 310, and the second sidesurface 312 having curvilinear shapes that curve away from the centeraxis 306 when the conduit 100 is flexed 904 away from the gates 804 inthe open position. For example, because the bottom surface 308 is formedof bottom springs 402, the first side surface 310 is formed of firstside springs 406(1), and the second side surface 312 is formed of secondside springs 406(2), the conduit 100 may be flexed 904 away from thegates 804. For example, one or more of the bottom springs 402 may becompressed, while one or more of the first and second side springs406(1) and 406(2) may be stretched when the conduit is flexed 904 awayfrom the gates 804.

The gates 804 may be pivotably displaced from the open position to aclosed position, or vice versa, when the conduit 100 is flexed 904 awayfrom the gates 804. For example, one or more of the first ends 810(1) ofthe gates 808 may be stretched along with the stretching of the firstand second side springs 406(1) and 406(2) to provide for the second ends810(2) of the gates 804 to pivot about the top portions 806 and 808 ofthe conduit 100.

Perspective view 902 illustrates the conduit 100 flexed 904 about apoint along the center axis 306 toward the first side surface 310 withthe gates 804 in the open position. Perspective view 902 illustrates thebottom surface 308, the first side surface 310, and the second sidesurface 312 having curvilinear shapes that curve away from the centeraxis 306 when the conduit 100 is flexed 904 toward the first sidesurface 310. For example, one or more of the first side springs 406(1)may be compressed, while one or more of the bottom springs 402 and thesecond side springs 406(2) may be stretched when the conduit is flexed904 toward the first side surface 310.

The gates 804 may be pivotably displaced from the open position to aclosed position, or vice versa, when the conduit 100 is flexed 904toward the first side surface 310. For example, one or more of the firstends 810(1) of the gate 808 pivotably attached to the top portion 804 ofthe first side surface 310 may be compressed along with the compressionof the first side springs 406(1), and one or more of the first ends810(1) of the other gate 808 pivotably attached to the top portion 808of the second side surface 312 may be stretched along with thestretching of the second side springs 406(2), to provide for the secondends 810(2) of the gates 804 to pivot about the top portions 806 and 808of the conduit 100.

While perspective view 900 illustrates the conduit 100 flexed 904 abouta point along the center axis 306 away from the gates 804 in the openposition, the conduit 100 may be flexed 904 about a point along thecenter axis 306 toward the gates 804 in the open position. For example,one or more of the bottom springs 402 may be stretched, while one ormore of the first and second side springs 406(1) and 406(2) may becompressed when the conduit is flexed 904 toward the gates 804 in theopen position. Further, while perspective view 902 illustrates theconduit 100 flexed 904 about a point along the center axis 306 towardthe first side surface 310 with the gates 804 in the open position, theconduit 100 may be flexed 904 about a point along the center axis 306toward the second side surface 312 with the gates 804 in the openposition. For example, one or more of the second side springs 406(2) maybe compressed, while one or more of the bottom springs 402 and the firstside springs 406(1) may be stretched when the conduit 100 is flexed 904toward the second side surface 312 when the gates 804 are in the openposition. Further, the conduit 100 may be flexed about a point along thecenter axis 306 in other directions. For example, the conduit 100 may beflexed about a point along the center axis 306 toward a corner of theconduit 100. The gates 804 may be pivotably displaced from the openposition to the closed position, or vice versa, when the conduit 100 isflexed in the other directions.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate the plurality of members 302(1)-302(n)flexing with respect to each other about a point along the center axis306 of the conduit 100 when the conduit is flexed 904 about a pointalong the center axis 306. For example, the first member 302(1) may beflexible with respect to the second member 302(2), and the second member302(2) may be flexible with respect to the n^(th) member 302(n) about apoint along the center axis 306. The plurality of members 302(1)-302(n)may be flexible with respect to each other about a point along thecenter axis 306 of the conduit 100 to prevent bending of a fiber opticcable contained in the plurality of members 302(1)-302(n). For example,the plurality of members 302(1)-302(n) may be flexible with respect toeach other about a point along the center axis 306 of the conduit 100 upto a minimum bend radius to prevent bending of a fiber optic cablecontained in the plurality of members 302(1)-302(n). The minimum bendradius may be about 1 inch to prevent bending of a fiber optic cablecontained in the conduit 100.

FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective view 1000 of the conduit 100illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the gates 804 in a closed position andFIG. 10B illustrates an end view 1002 of the conduit 100 illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 with the gates 804 in a closed position. FIGS. 10A and 10Billustrate when the gates 804 are in the closed position, the secondends 810(2) of the gates 804 are located inside of the conduit 100. Forexample, when the gates 804 are in the closed position the second ends810(2) of the gates 804 are positioned a distance in toward the firstand second side surfaces 310 and 312. When the gates 804 are in theclosed position, the gates 804 may contain optical fibers in the conduit100. For example, when the gates 804 are in the closed position, theoptical fibers may be contained inside the conduit along the bottomsurface 308, the first side surface 310, and/or the second side surface312 of the conduit 100.

FIG. 11A illustrates a perspective view 1100 of the conduit 100 flexed904 about a point along the center axis 306 with the gates 804 in theclosed position and FIG. 11B illustrates a perspective view 1102 of theconduit 100 flexed 904 about a point along the center axis 306 with thegates 804 in the closed position. Perspective view 1100 illustrates theconduit 100 flexed 904 about a point along the center axis 306 awaytoward the gates 804 in the closed position. Similar to when the gates804 are in the open position, perspective view 1100 illustrates thebottom surface 308, the first side surface 310, and the second sidesurface 312 having curvilinear shapes that curve away from the centeraxis 306 when the conduit 100 is flexed 904 away from the gates 804 inthe closed position.

Perspective view 1102 illustrates the conduit 100 flexed 904 about apoint along the center axis 306 toward the first side surface 310 withthe gates 804 in the closed position. Similar to when the gates 804 arein the open position, perspective view 1102 illustrates the bottomsurface 308, the first side surface 310, and the second side surface 312having curvilinear shapes that curve away from the center axis 306 whenthe conduit 100 is flexed 904 toward the first side surface 310.

While perspective view 1100 illustrates the conduit 100 flexed 904 abouta point along the center axis 306 away from the gates 804 in the closedposition, the conduit 100 may be flexed 904 about a point along thecenter axis 306 toward the gates 804 in the closed position. Forexample, one or more of the bottom springs 402 may be stretched, whileone or more of the first and second side springs 406(1) and 406(2) maybe compressed when the conduit is flexed 904 toward the gates 804 in theclosed position. Further, while perspective view 1102 illustrates theconduit 100 flexed 904 about a point along the center axis 306 towardthe first side surface 310 with the gates 804 in the closed position,the conduit 100 may be flexed 904 about a point along the center axis306 toward the second side surface 312 with the gates 804 in the closedposition. For example, one or more of the second side springs 406(2) maybe compressed, while one or more of the bottom springs 402 and the firstside springs 406(1) may be stretched when the conduit 100 is flexed 904toward the second side surface 312 when the gates 804 are in the closedposition.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view 1200 of an embodiment of aconduit 1202. The conduit may include a plurality of bumpers 1204(1),1204(2), and 1204(n). A first end of each bumper of the plurality ofbumpers 1204(1)-1204(n) may be attached to the first side surface 310 ofthe conduit 100, and a second end of each bumper of the plurality ofbumpers 1204(1)-1204(n) may be attached to the second side surface 312of the conduit 100.

For example, each bumper of the plurality of bumpers 1204(1)-1204(n) maybe attached to the links of the conduit 100. For example, bumper 1204(1)may be attached to the bottom link 502(1) and the side links 602(1) and702(1), bumper 1204(2) may be attached to the bottom link 502(2) andside links 602(2) and 702(2), and bumper 1202(n) may be attached to thebottom link 502(n) and side links 602(n) and 702(n).

The plurality of bumpers 1204(1)-1204(n) may provide added protectionfor optical fibers contained in the conduit 100. For example, theplurality of bumpers 1204(1)-1204(n) may be arranged to make contactwith obstructions frames, chassis, trays, desks, etc. proximate to theconduit 100. For example, the plurality of bumpers 1204(1)-1204(n) maybe arranged to make contact with a corner (e.g., a corner of a frame, acorner of a chassis, a corner of a tray, a corner of a desk, etc.) toprevent the optical fibers contained in the conduit 100 form coming intocontact with the corner. The plurality of bumpers 1204(1)-1204(n) may beformed of a flexible plastic, such as a polymer (e.g., nylon),polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view 1300 of another example conduit1302 for routing connectivity cables. The conduit 1302 may include abottom surface 1304 that is completely enclosed, a first side surface1306 that it is completely enclosed, and a second side surface 1308 thatis completely enclosed.

Similar to the conduits 100 and 1202, the bottom surface 1304, the firstside surface 1306, and the second side surface 1308 may be flexibleabout a center axis 1310 of the conduit 1300. The bottom surface 1304,the first side surface 1306, and the second side surface 1308 may extendalong a longitudinal length 1312. The bottom surface 1304, the firstside surface 1306, and the second side surface 1308 may be a moldedunit. Similar to the conduit 100, the first side surface 1306 and thesecond side surface 1308 attached to the bottom surface 1304 may have asubstantially U-shaped cross-section extending at least a portion of thelongitudinal length 1312.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view 1400 of the conduit 1302illustrated in FIG. 13 with gates 804 in a closed position. Gates 804may be pivotably attached to top portions 1402 of the first side surface1306 and top portions 1402 of the second side surface 1308. For example,the first ends 810(1) of the gates 804 may be pivotably attached to thetop portions 1402 of the first and second side surfaces 1306 and 1308.FIG. 14 illustrates when the gates 804 are in the closed position, thesecond ends 810(2) of the gates 804 are located inside of the conduit1302. For example, when the gates 804 are in the closed position thesecond ends 810(2) of the gates 804 are positioned a distance in towardthe first and second side surfaces 1306 and 1308. When the gates 804 arein the open position, the second ends 810(2) of the gates 804 may belocated outside of the conduit 1302. The gates 804 may be pivotablebetween the open position and a closed position while the bottom surface1304, the first side surface 1306, and the second side surface 1308 areflexed about a point along the center axis 1310 of the conduit 1302.

CONCLUSION

Although the invention has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the invention is not necessarily limited to the specific featuresor acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosedas illustrative forms of implementing the invention. For example, whileembodiments are described having certain shapes, sizes, andconfigurations, these shapes, sizes, and configurations are merelyillustrative.

What is claimed is:
 1. A conduit comprising: a bottom link connecting afirst unit to a second unit, the bottom link including: a first memberextending away from a first end of the bottom link in a first direction,a second member extending away from the second end of the bottom link inthe first direction, a third member extending away from the first end ofthe bottom link in a second direction opposite the first direction, anda fourth member extending away from the second end of the bottom link inthe second direction opposite the first direction; a first side linkconnecting the first unit to the second unit, the first side linkincluding: a first member extending away from a first end of the firstside link in a first direction and attached to the first member of thebottom link, a second member extending away from a second end of thefirst side link in the first direction and attached to the second memberof the bottom link, a third member extending away from the first end ofthe first side link in a second direction opposite the first direction,and a fourth member extending away from the second end of the first sidelink in the second direction opposite the first direction; and a secondside link connecting the first unit to the second unit, the second sidelink including: a first member extending away from a first end of thesecond side link in a first direction and attached to the third memberof the bottom link, a second member extending away from a second end ofthe second side link in the first direction and attached to the fourthmember of the bottom link, a third member extending away from the firstend of the second side link in a second direction opposite the firstdirection, and a fourth member extending away from the second end of thesecond side link in the second direction opposite the first direction.2. The conduit of claim 1, further comprising at least one gateincluding a first end opposite a second end, the first end pivotablyattached to a top portion of the first unit and pivotably attached to atop portion of the second unit, and wherein the second end of the atleast one gate is pivotable about the top portions of the top portion ofthe first unit and the top portion of the second unit.
 3. The conduit ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the first unit or the second unit has aU-shaped cross-section.
 4. The conduit of claim 1, further comprising abumper including a first end and a second end, the first end attached tothe first side link or attached to the second side link, and the secondend attached to the bottom link.
 5. The conduit of claim 1, wherein thebottom link has a quadrilateral cross-sectional profile.
 6. The conduitof claim 1, wherein the first side link or the second side link has aquadrilateral cross-sectional profile.
 7. The conduit of claim 1,wherein at least one of the first unit, the second unit, or the bottomlink is formed of a plastic.
 8. A conduit comprising: a bottom link forconsecutively connecting a first bottom surface to a second bottomsurface, the bottom link having a first end opposite a second end andincluding: a first member extending away from the first end of thebottom link in a first direction, a second member extending away fromthe second end of the bottom link in the first direction, a third memberextending away from the first end of the bottom link in a seconddirection opposite the first direction, and a fourth member extendingaway from the second end of the bottom link in the second directionopposite the first direction; a first side link for consecutivelyconnecting a first side surface to a second side surface, the first sidelink having a first end opposite a second end and including: a firstmember extending away from the first end of the first side link in afirst direction and attached to the first member of the bottom link, asecond member extending away from the second end of the first side linkin the first direction and attached to the second member of the bottomlink, a third member extending away from the first end of the first sidelink in a second direction opposite the first direction, and a fourthmember extending away from the second end of the first side link in thesecond direction opposite the first direction; and a second side linkfor consecutively connecting a third side surface to a fourth sidesurface, the second side link having a first end opposite a second endand including: a first member extending away from the first end of thesecond side link in a first direction and attached to the third memberof the bottom link, a second member extending away from the second endof the second side link in the first direction and attached to thefourth member of the bottom link, a third member extending away from thefirst end of the second side link in a second direction opposite thefirst direction, and a fourth member extending away from the second endof the second side link in the second direction opposite the firstdirection.
 9. The conduit of claim 8, further comprising a bumperincluding a first end and a second end, the first end attached to thefirst side link or attached to the second side link, and the second endattached to the bottom link.
 10. The conduit of claim 9, wherein thebumper has a polygonal cross-sectional profile.
 11. The conduit of claim8, wherein the first side link or the second side link has aquadrilateral cross-sectional profile.
 12. The conduit of claim 8,wherein the bottom link has a quadrilateral cross-sectional profile. 13.The conduit of claim 8 wherein the first side link or the second sidelink is formed of a plastic.
 14. A conduit comprising: a first linkincluding: a first member extending away from a first end of the firstlink in a first direction, a second member extending away from a secondend of the first link in the first direction, a third member extendingaway from the first end of the first link in a second direction oppositethe first direction, and a fourth member extending away from the secondend of the first link in the second direction opposite the firstdirection; a second link including: a first member extending away fromthe first end of the second link in a first direction and attached tothe first member of the first link, a second member extending away fromthe second end of the second link in the first direction and attached tothe second member of the first link, a third member extending away fromthe first end of the second link in a second direction opposite thefirst direction, and a fourth member extending away from the second endof the second link in the second direction opposite the first direction;and a third link for consecutively connecting a third side surface to afourth side surface, the third link having a first end opposite a secondend and including: a first member extending away from the first end ofthe third link in a first direction and attached to the third member ofthe first link, a second member extending away from the second end ofthe third link in the first direction and attached to the fourth memberof the first link, a third member extending away from the first end ofthe third link in a second direction opposite the first direction, and afourth member extending away from the second end of the third link inthe second direction opposite the first direction.
 15. The conduit ofclaim 14, further comprising a bumper including a first end and a secondend, the first end attached to the second link or attached to the thirdlink, and the second end attached to the first link.
 16. The conduit ofclaim 15, wherein the bumper has a polygonal cross-sectional profile.17. The conduit of claim 14, wherein the second link or the third linkhas a quadrilateral cross-sectional profile.
 18. The conduit of claim17, wherein a material of the at least one of the second link, or thethird link includes a plastic.
 19. The conduit of claim 14, wherein thefirst link has a quadrilateral cross-sectional profile.
 20. The conduitof claim 14, wherein a material of at least one of the first sidemembers or the second side members includes a plastic.